Hiddink: Chelsea no longer European elite

“With Pellegrini in recent years and with the way he works – I can only make a judgment from distance – he is well respected by the squad”, the 69-year-old said. When a player comes into the Premier League, saying “I don’t want to go on loan, I want to make my progress here”, and when they get their first goal – and it was a attractive goal, a typical striker’s goal which I like very much – it was a tremendous joy for him.

With a lengthy injury list that has already reduced him to 13 fit senior outfield players, Pellegrini feels he has no option but to rest some of his star names. I’m telling you about it in the way I always think.

“We have had a very hard FA Cup this season, always playing against Premier League teams away from home, so I chose strong teams and we won 3-0 and 4-0”. “The team we are going to play against Chelsea will give young players a chance”.

Guus Hiddink has said he is enjoying his second stint at Chelsea, but his managerial career will end at the conclusion of the current season.

Unless Chelsea climb into the Premier League top six over the last 12 games, this will be their worst league finish of the Roman Abramovich era. But there are some moments when you have to prioritise because you don’t receive any help and, if I didn’t, then I could damage our prospects in the Champions League.

Kelechi Iheanacho who may get to start today has averaged a goal every 70 minutes in all competitions for City this season (nine goals in 628 mins).

Hidink also praised Brazilian worldwide Willian whose form this season has been excellent, despite the mediocre team displays. Diego Costa, Oscar and Hazard will take the game to Manchester City on Sunday and I expect a reaction from Chelsea following their midweek defeat.

“I don’t know how it can change”.

“Maybe [FA Cup ties] without a replay can be one solution”.

While Pellegrini concentrated his brain on what team to put out against Chelsea, his thoughts also turned to Dynamo Kiev in the intimidating 70,000 capacity Olimpiyskiy Stadium. “He was in a hard situation but needs to step up”, Hiddink said.

“We prepare the team in training, we prepare the team in team meetings, and then the execution is theirs, with a lot of responsibility”.

“We never think about four trophies – we go game by game”.

“And that won’t be easy”.